It seems that the terms National Cadet Competition and National Color Guard Competition are used interchangeably. There is a definite difference. Our squadron team just advanced to the region competition after winning the Wing. My understanding is that it is for the National Cadet Competition based upon the literature put out from National, however the team was awarded National Color Guard Competition ribbons.

It seems that the terms National Cadet Competition and National Color Guard Competition are used interchangeably. There is a definite difference.

There >was< a difference. In its current iteration, the NCC only includes the CG component, however this is clearly another area where the regulations have not been updated, or NHQ needs to clarify the award.

While the current national competition is referred to as "NCC", it isn't run as such based on 39-3's award criteria which would have it being an NCGC, however it could be argued that a respective Wing or Region could present whatever decoration they feel is appropriate, irrespective of what NHQ issues to those teams that ultimately make it to Dayton, in which case those teams would replace the green with the blue if appropriate (or not).

Another interesting nuance is that while there have been teams of both types at the same event, I've never heard it referred to as anything but NCC, even in the years it had both types of competitions.

Exactly what I thought and had heard it referred to. Some of the confusion in our wing, and I'm sure others, is that many units were operating on the old manual and curriculum. Many did not know about the updated CAPP 52-4, and how it drastically changed things.

I do like the new format as it covers more specifically the cadet program elements. And I personally am glad to see the innovative drill gone .

The historical (Pre 1995 or so) NCC was commonly called 'Drill Team', and received the Blue ribbon. They added the Color Guard portion to the competition in '95/'96?, and the Green ribbon was created. They never did re-name the NCC ribbon to 'Drill Team' Ribbon, but Did call the new green ribbon the Cadet Color Guard ribbon.

The new NCC rules have revamped the competition and there are no longer 2 separate competitions. We are back to 1.

If I remember correctly, the original re-write included an all new award to go with the new competition format, and to retire the old blue and green ribbons. It was the same design, but red.

For some reason the powers that be decided against a new award, and to keep the Color Guard ribbon and not the historical blue NCC ribbon.

I see the reasoning in that the new competition is more like the Color Guard comp than the Drill Team comp. The trouble is, there is no longer a Color Guard Comp, but there is still a NCC.

Thank you sir! We have some very proud and excited cadets. Thanks for filling in some of the blanks with the history on the two. It makes it much more clear.

On a side note, if anyone can provide more insight on the competition I would appreciate it. Specifically the robotics part.

Thanks in advance!

Robotics is an elective event so it may or may not be used in any given year at any given level. I do not think that NHQ has announced what 2 electives they are going to use for this year's competition.

Thank you sir! We have some very proud and excited cadets. Thanks for filling in some of the blanks with the history on the two. It makes it much more clear.

On a side note, if anyone can provide more insight on the competition I would appreciate it. Specifically the robotics part.

Thanks in advance!

Robotics is an elective event so it may or may not be used in any given year at any given level. I do not think that NHQ has announced what 2 electives they are going to use for this year's competition.

Perfect. That's what I thought was the case. Just prepare for everything it is!